First Solar and Ingenero to Collaborate In the Delivery of Solar PV Projects

SYDNEY, Australia, 18 August 2013 – Today, First Solar, Inc. (First Solar) and Ingenero Pty Ltd. (Ingenero) announced a new collaboration arrangement to provide a joint offering to the commercial and off-grid solar markets. The partnership will combine Ingenero’s proven design, development and integration experience with First Solar’s advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) module technology and demonstrated track record in utility-scale projects to better meet market requirements within Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Ingenero has an established footprint in the commercial and off-grid space having constructed Australia’s largest rooftop solar PV system at the University of Queensland in Brisbane and a number of ground-mounted solar PV systems in Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Pacific Islands. First Solar brings international experience in constructing utility-scale solar projects, including Australia’s first utility-scale solar farm, the Greenough River Solar Farm, and has established a strong local supply chain in Australia. The collaboration will combine the best of both company’s capabilities to increase the number of ground-mounted solar projects in Australia. First Solar and Ingenero will also jointly target diesel fuel replacement opportunities in Australia’s off-grid sector, reducing operating costs for mining companies and providing an alternative source of power generation for communities throughout regional Australia and the Pacific Islands.

“Today we celebrate another milestone in our company’s short but dynamic history. A collaboration agreement with First Solar and the opportunity to utilise its thin-film PV module technology brings with it the increased capability and flexibility needed to be successful in a growing market,” said Ingenero CEO, Steve McRae.

“This year we made the leap into the international solar market, building a complex hybrid off-grid solar power plant on the island of Vava’u, Tonga. These kinds of off-grid applications, as well as commercial and utility scale applications, hold significant growth opportunities internationally,” said Mr McRae. “Partnering with a company of this calibre means Ingenero will continue to grow its commercial and utility solar business within Australia and broaden its international footprint while continuing to deliver high quality, innovative solar solutions to its existing and future customer base.”

First Solar’s Asia Pacific Vice President of Business Development and Sales, Jack Curtis, said the new partnership will leverage the synergies between the two businesses.

“In collaborating with Ingenero, Australia’s leading integrator in the small to medium scale solar sector, First Solar is better positioning itself to meet the needs of the commercial and off-grid solar markets in Australia and Asia Pacific,” said Mr Curtis. “First Solar’s primary focus has been utility-scale projects and we continue to be the world leader in this market segment. This collaboration will provide us with additional origination and execution diversity in medium-scale projects that will allow us to broaden our accessible demand pool across the region and meet the needs of customers that are looking to utilise our thin-film PV module technology in these types of applications,” he said.

The First Solar/Ingenero collaboration will provide bankable and economically viable solutions to existing and future customers through the delivery of high-quality service and components as well as innovative, fully-engineered solutions tailor-designed for each project.

About Ingenero

Ingenero is an Australian leader in the delivery of solar energy for residential, business and government customers. Ingenero has simplified the way customers can lock in lower, long-term rates for electricity through innovative financial products such as solar leasing and Solar Power Purchase Agreements. Ingenero also provides ongoing monitoring and maintenance services. You can find out more information about Ingenero at our main website http://www.ingenero.com.au

About First Solar, Inc.

First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar systems which use its advanced module and systems technology. The Company's integrated power plant solutions deliver an economically attractive alternative to fossil-fuel electricity generation today. From raw material sourcing through end-of-life module recycling, First Solar's renewable energy systems protect and enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please visit www.firstsolar.com

For First Solar Investors

This release contains forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements in this release do not constitute guarantees of future performance. Those statements involve a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including risks associated with the company's business involving the company's products, their development and distribution, economic and competitive factors and the company's key strategic relationships and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. First Solar assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release or with respect to the announcements described herein.